Modulation of expression of MHC antigens in the kidneys of mice by murine interferon-alpha/beta.
We have analyzed the effects of interferon-alpha/beta on MHC expression in the murine kidney, and compared these results with the MHC modulating effects of interferon-gamma. Natural murine interferon-alpha/beta was administered to B10.BR mice (H-2k), i.p., twice daily for 3 days. Expression of MHC antigens was assessed on day 4 by immunoperoxidase staining with biotinylated monoclonal antibodies to class I (KkDk) and class II (I-Ak) antigens. Interferon-alpha/beta significantly decreased the number of class II-positive renal cortical dendritic cells from 62.0/mm2 to 12.6/mm2 (P less than 0.001). A similar but less dramatic decrease was seen in cardiac dendritic cells. Little or no change in class II expression was observed in proximal tubules or glomeruli. Interferon-alpha/beta induced marked class I staining in the glomerulus, arterial endothelium, and Bowman's capsule. Proximal tubule cells also showed increased class I expression, but were less responsive than glomeruli. Thus, the effects of interferon-alpha/beta contrast with those of interferon-gamma, which increases class II expression on proximal tubules, induces relatively more class I expression in proximal tubules than glomeruli, and increases class II-positive dendritic cells. Furthermore, these results suggest that treatment with interferon-alpha/beta may have a complex effect on the immune response to a renal allograft due to its differential effects on class I and class II cell surface expression.
Maguire
J E
JE
Immunopathology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Gresser
I
I
Williams
A H
AH
Kielpinski
G L
GL
Colvin
R B
RB
D000818:Animals; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000032:analysis*; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis*; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D007370:Interferon Type I